Committee recommends adoption of regional hazard mitigation plan, enabling FEMA grant eligibility

The Jackson County Intergovernmental Affairs Committee voted to recommend adoption of Resolution 21967, joining Jackson County with Cass, Clay, Platte and Ray counties in the 2025 Multi‑Jurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan prepared by the Mid America Regional Council. The committee’s recommendation will be forwarded for formal adoption.

Brian Gaddy, Public Works, introduced the resolution and invited Dan Manley, emergency service planner for the Mid America Regional Council, to summarize the plan. Manley said the plan is a five‑year update developed with county and municipal representatives, school and special districts and utility districts in the bi‑state region. He told the committee the plan identifies weather‑related hazards such as flash flooding, severe weather and tornadoes, winter storms and drought and sets aspirational mitigation goals for participating jurisdictions.

Manley explained that adoption by local resolution is part of the FEMA approval process and that jurisdictions listed on the approved plan are eligible to apply for federal mitigation grants administered by FEMA. He described typical eligible activities, including projects such as property buyouts in flood‑prone areas and other measures that reduce future disaster impacts.

A committee member moved and another seconded to recommend adoption. The committee voted by voice; all members present voted aye and no opposition was recorded.

The resolution will be transmitted as the committee’s recommendation that the full legislature adopt Resolution 21967 so Jackson County may be included in the regional plan and remain eligible for FEMA mitigation grants.